FDA: Melatonin-laced 'sleepy brownies' unsafe

by Mary Clare Jalonick - Aug. 1, 2011 11:26 PMAssociated Press

WASHINGTON - The Food and Drug Administration has warned the manufacturer of melatonin-laced brownies called Lazy Larry that the government considers them unsafe and could seize them from store shelves.

The warning letter obtained by the Associated Press was sent to the company last week. Until July, Lazy Larry was known as "Lazy Cakes," but the Memphis-based company that makes them, HBB LLC, changed the name after some lawmakers and public officials expressed concerns about the brownies.

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. The brownies can make those who eat them sleepy, and the manufacturer advertises them as a stress reliever.

The sweet treats feature a logo of a smiling - and clearly relaxed - brownie that resembles the TV show character SpongeBob SquarePants. The company's website says they are sold in convenience stores in "a select but growing number of markets." They are also sold through the company's website.

The FDA said it can seize the brownies if HBB continues to make and market them. The federal agency said that it does not consider melatonin to be a safe food additive and that the brownies are "adulterated" because they contain it.

The agency has less authority over melatonin that is sold in pill form as a dietary supplement because supplements are largely unregulated.

Under federal law, supplement manufacturers are responsible for making sure their own products are safe.